Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Growing in Greenhouses & Polytunnels => Topic started by: Browseruk on March 13, 2023, 13:33

Title: Tips on handling tiny seeds?
Post by: Browseruk on March 13, 2023, 13:33
I just potted 20 cauli and 20 broccoli seeds; and boy is it ever fiddly trying to get them in the holes in the compost.  I'm not at all convinced all of them made it into the holes; but once you let go they are impossible to see.

Is there some technique for handling them?
Title: Re: Tips on handling tiny seeds?
Post by: Growster... on March 13, 2023, 17:52
I think it's a matter of just getting the seed on the surface, shaking some dry compost over them using a 3" flower pot, then - er - just waiting!

I used to spend ages getting begonias going, (the seeds are just dust!), but it really is such a satisfying result to see the tiny leaves appearing and ready for new homes!
Title: Re: Tips on handling tiny seeds?
Post by: Browseruk on March 13, 2023, 19:16
At what stage did you pot them on.. I let them get at least 2 true sets of leaves before even thinking of potting up!

I wasn't potting them on; but rather sowing them.
Title: Re: Tips on handling tiny seeds?
Post by: Browseruk on March 13, 2023, 19:19
I think it's a matter of just getting the seed on the surface, shaking some dry compost over them using a 3" flower pot, then - er - just waiting!

Ah! That's what I did wrong. I filled the pots, poked little holes on the compost and tried to drop the seeds into them.
Title: Re: Tips on handling tiny seeds?
Post by: Hortic on June 04, 2023, 11:20
Mix tiny seeds with dry sand and use this mix to distribute over your seed tray.
Check if these seeds need to be covered as a lot of tiny seeds don't.
Title: Re: Tips on handling tiny seeds?
Post by: Hortic on June 30, 2023, 16:19
Mix the tiny seeds with fine sand and sprinkle over a seed tray, cover with the required depth of compost. Once they germinate and are big enough to handle, prick them out into your pots.